Lakes, Legends, and Naadam Festival

The view from King's Mountain provides a commanding view of Ulan Bataaar and the homes of her one million inhabitants. Will Webe

Most Mongolians live in traditional gers. These are portable for a nomadic lifestyle, bu may inclulde a small wind turbine elect

The inside of a ger can be quite ornate. Orange is a favorite color. There is always a wood stove at the center and a skylight f

The famous Naadam Festival horse races take place each July. The jockeys are always children ages 7-12. Some kids ride bareback.

Some of the kids get dressed in traditionally clothng for the horse races, adding color to the event. Will Weber photo.

Naadam includes games of horsemanship skill, like picking up a lassoo pole at galloping speed.Will Weber photo. Will Weber photo

The heritage of Chinggis Khan is reenacted as part of the Naadam Festival. Will Weber photo.

Shamanistic dancing adds color and spiritual tradition to Naadam. Will Weber photo.

Wrestling is Mongolia's national sport. Match winners celebrate with the Eagle Dance. Will Weber photo.

Mongolian nomads still love their horses.. also horsepower in the form of Russian motorcycles. Will Weber photo.

Our Mongolian guide

Buddhist practice is being restored in Mongolia as the Russian influence wanes. We visited several monasteries hosting local pil

The spirit of the great 12th- 13th Century unifier of the nomads, Chinggis Khan, has been revivified through the celebration of

Gandantegchinlen is the most impressive monastery in Ulan Bataar and perhaps all of Mongolia. This building houses an enormous s

The favorite traditon instrument of Mongolia is the horsehead fiddle or Morin Khuur. Will Weber photo.

Contortionist are a part of every Mongolian dance and musical presentation. Contortionists also appear in eye catching billboar

A stroll along the still shores of crystalline Lake Hovsgul dissolves time. The lake offers great fishng and birding and lies in

We were able to visit four different nomad families in their gers, including this household in the taiga where we sampled yak mi

These are the versatile Russian-built SUVs that seem to float over Mongolia's rough roads. They are not stylish, but are surpris

We stopped to admire a reindeer and the lovable shaman lady who tended them. Nomdic reindeer herders live in the northwest of Mo

Ulaan Baatar

Ghenghis Khan monument in Ulaan Baatar

Base camp at Lake Hovsgol

Hike along the shores of Hovsgol Lake

Catch a return flight to Ilaan Baatar

Meet a bactrian camel

Bayan Zag, or Flaming Cliffs

Visit Bogdo Khaan Winter Palace Museum

Drive to Khustain Nuruu National Reserve for a look at the Przwalski Wild Horses

Try horseback riding using tradition Mongolian wooden saddles